Resources for read alouds

Families and teachers sometimes ask for recommended read-alouds.  Here are some of my favorite resources for read-aloud ideas:

The Read Aloud Handbook by Jim Trelease
The classic guide to reading aloud. Trelease begins with reasons for reading aloud to your child from birth until long after they can read to themselves. The "treasury" takes up the last two-thirds of the book -- it is a lengthy annotated list organized by the age of the child. There are several editions of the book; the seventh edition was published in 2013.

How to Get Your Child to Love Reading by Esme Raji Codell
Even if your child already loves reading, this is a huge resource that is organized in a family-friendly way. It was published in 2003, but is worth requesting from the library. Esme is a Chicago-area teacher, librarian and parent who has a great love of children's books. She has organized the book by the age of the child and by subjects that appeal to kids. She recommends many titles for family read-alouds



Children's Book Almanac Blog http://childrensbookalmanac.com
by Anita Silvey
A title a day with a nice summary of the book, suggested age range, and links to other similar titles. You can also search the archives by title, author, subject, or age of the child. A very handy daily reminder of some really great books, old and new!

Author visit for grades 1 & 2!

Author/ illustrator Grace Lin will visit Lawrence School on Tuesday, March 17. Thanks to the generosity of the PTO, she will meet with grades 1 & 2 to talk about her work, show students how a picture book is made, and lead them in a draw-along of one of her characters!

Ms. Lin is the author of many picture books, chapter books and early readers. Ling and Ting, Not Exactly the Same was a summer reading choice for students entering grade 2. She also wrote the illustrated chapter book, Where the Mountain Meets the Moon, which was named a Newbery Honor book in 2010.

We have been preparing for her visit by reading her picture books in the library and in classrooms. You will find many of her titles at the public library. Her website contains a list of her published works and activities to go along with her books: www.gracelin.com

All are looking forward to this special event!